The new sci-fi/superhero flick “Chronicle” is absolutely awesome from beginning to end.
Writer/director Josh Trank makes the most of his feature-length directorial debut, taking teen angst to an entirely new level – literally – and showing how the found-footage storytelling technique does not necessarily have to be just a gimmick. The filmmaker uses the two things to compliment one another and take viewers on a roller-coaster ride that is as emotionally fulfilling as it is visually stunning.
In “Chronicle,” which is now playing at movie theaters throughout the Valley, Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan and Alex Russell play a trio of high school students who make an incredible discovery, leading to them develop uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control and their darker sides begin to take over.
You will not get anything more about the synopsis from this film columnist as one of “Chronicle's” greatest attributes is that its trailers and television commercials do not give away any of its surprises. In fact, other than brief glimpses, the movie's marketing does not show anything past the first half-hour of the motion picture – a rare feat in and of itself.
However, suffice it to say, “Chronicle” spins out of control quite quickly – albeit in an extremely good way. Moreover, the movie features characters with whom you can easily identify while using the found-footage storytelling technique to dive deeper into the psyche of said characters (not to mention give us a first-hand look at the world from a unique perspective).
“Chronicle” is, without a doubt, one of the best motion pictures about individuals with super powers to date. It is incredibly intelligent, features a pace that is faster than that of a cheetah and is exceptionally engaging every step of the way. And the most exciting thing of all is wondering what fresh form of extraordinary entertainment Trank will come up with next.
“Chronicle” (PG-13 – 100 minutes) is now playing at movie theaters throughout the Valley. Visit FirstLook.com for specific showtimes.
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